EM Wave Interference: What Happens to Energy?

Thread starter rmberwin
Start date Sep 1, 2015
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Em Em wave Interference Wave

In summary, EM wave interference occurs when two or more waves of the same frequency intersect, resulting in either an increase or decrease in overall energy depending on whether it is constructive or destructive interference. Energy is always conserved during this process, with the redistribution of energy among the waves. The distance between interfering sources can also affect the energy of the waves."

Sep 1, 2015

rmberwin

When EM waves interfere, what happens to the energy?

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Sep 1, 2015

jtbell

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It gets redistributed.

(If you want a more specific answer, you'll have to ask a more specific question, preferably by way of a specific example that you don't understand.)

Related to EM Wave Interference: What Happens to Energy?

1. How does EM wave interference affect the energy of the waves?

EM wave interference occurs when two or more waves of the same frequency intersect with each other. In this case, the waves combine and their energies can either add up (constructive interference) or cancel out (destructive interference). This means that the overall energy of the waves is affected by the interference.

2. Can EM wave interference result in the loss of energy?

Yes, EM wave interference can result in the loss of energy. When two waves interfere destructively, their energies cancel out, leading to a decrease in the overall energy of the waves. This is often seen in diffraction patterns, where the interference between waves causes some regions to have lower energy than others.

3. Is energy conserved during EM wave interference?

Yes, energy is always conserved during EM wave interference. This means that the total energy of the waves before and after interference remains the same. However, the distribution of energy among the waves may change due to constructive or destructive interference.

4. Can EM wave interference create new energy?

No, EM wave interference cannot create new energy. The total energy of the waves remains the same, but it may be redistributed among the waves. This is because energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another.

5. How does the distance between interfering sources affect the energy of the waves?

The distance between interfering sources can affect the energy of the waves. When the sources are closer together, the interference will be more pronounced and the energy of the waves will be affected more significantly. As the distance between sources increases, the interference becomes less pronounced and the energy of the waves may be affected to a lesser degree.